Religious Resources

Resources for Religious People

This page focuses on resources for people who are religious and are struggling with some aspect of their belief and life circumstances. If you know a good resource to support people who are still religious please email us at resources@recoveringfromreligion.org or fill out our Resource Suggestions Form.

Healing from Religious Harm

These resources are specifically for religious people who are dealing with emotional/mental trauma related to religious indoctrination, fundamentalism, and other harmful religious practices.

Damaged Goods: New Perspectives on Christian PurityDianna Anderson offers a fresh approach to the conversation about purity culture, Provocative and engaging, she will revolutionize the way you think about sex, abstinence, politics, and faith. (Please note: This book is written by a Progressive Christian. It is based mostly on her own perspective of Christianity.)Find the book on Amazon.

Journey Freehttp://journeyfree.org/Journey Free is dedicated to helping people transition out of harmful religions, recover from trauma, and rebuild their lives. They offer meetings in the San Francisco area, but also via Skype. 1-510-292-0509

Leaving the Fold - A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving their ReligionThis self-help book is for people recovering from the harmful effects of religious indoctrination. It provides insight into the psychological manipulations involved in authoritarian religion, and Christian fundamentalism in particular. Find the book on Amazon.

Freedom of Mind Resource Centerhttps://freedomofmind.com/This business provides a great resource for people in the midst of breaking free or helping someone break free from a cult. There is a service fee, but their site also offers many free resources about cults. Their focus is on people finding their own path without the influence of others.

International Cultic Studies Associationhttp://www.icsahome.com/ICSA's mission is to apply research and professional perspectives to study and address cults.

Seeking a New Religious Community

These resources will give you ideas on finding a new religious community.

SelectSmart - Spiritual Belief System SelectorIf you are looking for a new religious community, this quiz may help you decide where you may fall on the spectrum of belief. From these results you can then look at which church or religious group might fit you closest. http://www.selectsmart.com/religion/

Progressive Christianity - Community/Church SearchProgressive Christianity is a non-profit organization that offers thoughtful and practical resources for individuals, families, and communities to explore and affect progressive Christianity, spirituality, community life, social and environmental justice. From the link below you can search for communities near you that fall in line with Progressive Christianity. (North America & International)http://progressivechr.wpengine.com/global-network/

Unitarian Universalist AssociationLearn more about the UU church and find a congregation near you.https://www.uua.org

Letter to a Christian Spouse "A former Christian informs his wife that he's now an atheist. She threatens to divorce him. Seth Andrews has a short message for her, and for anyone who finds himself or herself "unequally yoked" with a non-believer."https://youtu.be/FQUA9Rh2MCY Shorter video messagehttps://youtu.be/Z0hHHXHMKyk full podcast

Pastors and others who work with Secular people

Nontheistic and Naturalistic World View Crisis counseling of nontheists by theistsThe Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, in collaboration and consultation with Grief Beyond Belief, provides these brief recommendations for chaplains providing counseling for non theists who are experiencing grief or trauma. http://militaryatheists.org/resources/nontheistcrisisministry.pdf

Jehovah's Witness

Jewish

FootstepsThanks to Footsteps, former ultra-Orthodox Jews have a safe, supportive, and flourishing community to turn to as they work to define their own identities, build new connections, and lead productive lives on their own terms.https://www.footstepsorg.org/

LGBTQ+

Silent Gayshttp://silentgays.com/This site is for people who are LGBT coming out of religion. There may be parts that are specific to people who still consider themselves religious. This site is a neutral place for people to explore who they are, without fear.